 "Photo: KRT")
The election of Pope Benedict XVI represents the College of Cardinals' lack of certainty and its desire to avoid dramatic changes in the church, said Boston College theologians.
Their observations follow Tuesday's selection of German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as the 265th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The College of Cardinals elected Ratzinger with their third ballot and on the second day of the conclave.
At a press conference last Thursday, Thomas Groome, theology professor and director of the Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry, said that Pope John Paul II left "significant divisions" in the church and "bridges needing further attention."
"He had made some significant outreach," said Groome, highlighting his work with the Islamic community.
He said the new pope has not historically followed this pattern. "If his positions and statements continue as Pope Benedict XVI along the lines he made as Cardinal Ratzinger, it would seem he's not the person to heal the divisions of the church," he said.
"We live in a divided church," said theology professor Rev. David Hollenbach, S.J. "What we need is a person who is not afraid."
Yesterday Hollenbach said he did not see this in Benedict XVI. "Cardinal Ratzinger had clearly indicated he is afraid of the modern world. I suspect that [the election] is a result of [the cardinals'] uncertainty. They're not looking at any dramatic change right now."
Well before Pope Benedict XVI appeared on the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica for the first time Tuesday he was well-known by Vatican officials, church leaders, and scholars worldwide.
Sometimes referred to as "God's Rottweiler," Ratzinger was Prefect of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. His many writings galvanized traditional and radical Catholics with his staunch opposition to abortion and homosexuality.
"Never before have a new pope's writings and views been so extremely well-known and documented," said theology professor James Weiss.
Ratzinger presided over Pope John Paul II's funeral in his former role as Dean of the College of Cardinals. He was considered the late pontiff's right-hand man, believed to be mostly running church operations as John Paul II's health declined.
Though Ratzinger was well-known, scholars agree that only rarely does someone who is considered a likely contender for pope ever actually get elected.
"Ratzinger always gave the impression that he wanted to control the outcome [of the election]," said Weiss, but never gave an indication he was campaigning for the job himself. He said many cardinals, through a busy public schedule and a readiness to talk to the media, promote themselves as potential popes.
Weiss said the cardinal's selection indicates a desire to refocus the papacy on the office and away from the individual filling it.
He said Pope Benedict XVI's shy, humble nature and desire to stay out of the limelight is a reverse of his predecessor, who enjoyed large crowds and public appearances.
All but two of the voting cardinals, including Ratzinger, were appointed by Pope John Paul II. The collection of voters is said to be, in general, new but older than when the last pontiff was elected in 1978.
They're a diverse group but seen as uniformed in their beliefs. At the age of 78, Benedict XVI is 20 years older than his predecessor was when appointed pontiff.
Boston Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley "expressed joy and gratitude to God for the election of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI ," the archdiocese said in a statement.
"As faithful Catholics we accept our new pope and give him our allegiance and pray for his success," said Groome. "But we also realize the church is bigger than the pope and God is bigger than the Church."
On Wednesday, in an address to the College of Cardinals, Benedict XVI offered blessings to people around the world, identifying young people and members of other religions especially. He pledged to engage in conversation and understanding "that gives rise to conditions for a better future for everyone.
"If the weight of the responsibility that now lies on my poor shoulders is enormous, the divine power on which I can count is surely immeasurable: Electing me as the Bishop of Rome, the Lord wanted me as his Vicar, he wished me to be the 'rock' upon which everyone may rest with confidence. I ask him to make up for the poverty of my strength, that I may be a courageous and faithful pastor of His flock, always docile to the inspirations of His Spirit," Pope Benedict XVI said.
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